This Week at SKTA Feb 9 to 13/26

Dear St. Kateri Tekakwitha CES Families,

We are looking ahead to a very busy and exciting couple of weeks at our school.

This upcoming week on February 10 our Gr. 8’s will have their Graduation Pictures taken by Edge Photography.  Friday, our CSC will be hosting their Valentine’s Day Dance fundraising event.  Please note that this day will also serve as the Calabria hot lunch make-up day.

Next weekend is the Family Day long weekend, followed by another full week of learning and special events. During that week, students will participate in Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday liturgies. We are also pleased to welcome guest speaker Babarinde, who will be working with our Grade 3 to 8 students. His presentation will focus on Black Canadians and their impact on Canada, and students will also have the opportunity to learn about traditional African drumming as part of the experience.

Finally, on February 20, our entire school will be attending the Matilda theatre trip. Please note that this day will also serve as the make-up day for the previously missed pizza hot lunch for students who participate in the hot lunch program.

Thank you for your continued support as we move through these exciting weeks together.

______________________________________________________________________

Classroom Supplies

We’re hoping you might be able to help us gather a few items that would really support our students this term. We’re looking for any corded computer mice, indoor recess games (like board games, puzzles, or card games), and scientific calculators that you might have at home and no longer need.

These small contributions go a long way in making our classrooms better equipped and more enjoyable for students—especially on those cold, indoor days!

If you’re able to donate, please drop items off at the main office. Thank you so much for your generosity and ongoing support of St. Kateri.

______________________________________________________________________

Free webinar series for parents/caregivers: Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health from School Mental Health Ontario. 

We are excited to share a valuable opportunity to support your child’s well-being. School Mental Health Ontario is offering a free webinar series as part of the By Your Side Learning Hub, designed to help parents and caregivers navigate important topics to support their children’s mental health.  

This expert-led series will provide insights and practical strategies on:  

balanced device use 

vaping 

body image 

anxiety 

The webinars will also include answers to questions that parents/caregivers can provide ahead of the webinar, giving you the chance to ask questions and gain practical guidance.  

Sessions run March to June  

Register for free today   

______________________________________________________________________

Kindergarten Registration – September 2026

We continue to accept Kindergarten registration. Families are invited to register online at www.ycdsb.ca/admissions or in person at the school.

______________________________________________________________________

🎊 Lunar New Year Celebration! 🎊
📅 Tuesday, February 17, 2026

We are excited to celebrate Lunar New Year at school! Students who celebrate Lunar New Year are invited to wear traditional cultural clothing to share their heritage with our school community.

Students who do not celebrate are welcome to join in by wearing red or clothing that represents their own culture.

______________________________________________________________________

YRPH Dental Screening Clinic

Please add the following date to your calendars,  York Region Public Health will be conducting a Dental Screening Clinic at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Elementary School on March 5, 2026. Information regarding family participation can be found in our school message from last week.

______________________________________________________________________

Term 1 Report Card Information

Our school will be delivering Term 1 report cards electronically on Tuesday, February 10th (after 4:00 PM) via the Parent Portal.  

Parents/Guardians are encouraged to sign-on to the Parent Portal in advance of the delivery date to ensure your username and password will allow access.

To access this portal, please visit our school’s website (https://kta.ycdsb.ca/), and click on the parents link in the top banner.  From the Parents page, you will find a link to “Maplewood Parent Portal ConnectEd” on the right hand side.

______________________________________________________________________

Important dates to mark on your calendars:

February 

10 Reports Go Home /  Grad Pictures

13 CSC Valentines Day Fundraising Dance

15                  National Flag Day

16                  Family Day

17                  Lunar New Year/ Shrove Tuesday

18                  Ash Wednesday – Service with Fr. Rick.

19                 Babarinde Williams Black History Month Presentation

20                Matilda Trip

23 to 27       Carnaval 

25                Pink Shirt Day

Yours In Catholic Education,

Marc Caruso

Principal